Defence & Security

CISF Signs MoU to Boost Counter-Drone Capabilities for Critical Assets

29 August 2026UPSCSSCBank

In Brief

Partnered to acquire advanced anti-drone technology to safeguard over 370 critical installations nationwide.

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to upgrade its technological capabilities and train personnel in anti-drone operations across vital installations. The partnership aims to deploy advanced counter-unmanned aerial vehicle (C-UAV) systems to safeguard critical national infrastructure from emerging aerial security threats.

CISF is a premier Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) under the Ministry of Home Affairs, responsible for securing over 370 sensitive installations nationwide, including nuclear power plants, space centers, airports, seaports, and oil refineries. The proliferation of low-cost commercial drones has created unprecedented security challenges, enabling potential surveillance, sabotage, or payload drops over restricted government zones.

Under the MoU, specialized training programs will focus on drone detection radar systems, radio-frequency jammers, soft-kill anti-drone guns, and hard-kill interception mechanisms. CISF was established under the Central Industrial Security Force Act in 1968 and remains unique among CAPFs as it provides security services to private sector entities on a cost-reimbursement basis alongside government facilities.

Internal security modules in civil services exams frequently emphasize emerging technological threats to national assets. Prelims questions may test the mandate of CAPFs, CISF's constitutional and statutory backing, and drone regulations under the Drone Rules 2021. In Mains GS-III, this topic provides excellent analysis for internal security, critical infrastructure protection, and counter-drone warfare.

UPSC Study NotesHIGHGS3 — Internal Security & Critical Infrastructure Protection; Prelims (CAPF mandates)

GS3 — Internal Security & Critical Infrastructure Protection; Prelims (CAPF mandates)

📌 Exam Angle

Prelims may ask: "Which CAPF operates under MHA and secures private sector installations on cost-reimbursement basis?" or "What is the statutory basis of CISF?" Mains (GS3) expects answers on emerging drone threats to critical infrastructure, integration of C-UAV systems in national security architecture, and coordination gaps between agencies managing airspace security.

⚠️ Key Concerns

The news highlights India's vulnerability to asymmetric aerial threats—drones used by non-state actors for surveillance or sabotage at nuclear, space, and port facilities. Critical gaps exist in inter-agency coordination between CISF, IAF, civil aviation authorities, and local law enforcement for unified counter-drone response. Regulatory ambiguity under Drone Rules 2021 regarding enforcement mechanisms and jurisdictional overlap remains unresolved.

💡 Why It Matters

As drone technology democratizes, protecting 370+ critical national assets requires technological upgradation and coordinated protocols. This MoU reflects India's proactive approach to internal security modernization against emerging hybrid threats.

🔑 Must Remember

• CISF established 1968 under Central Industrial Security Force Act; unique CAPF providing private-sector security • Counter-UAV systems include radar, RF jammers, soft-kill guns, hard-kill interception mechanisms • Drone Rules 2021 governs civilian drone operations; enforcement responsibility fragmented

📝 Key Terms

CISFCAPFscounter-drone technologycritical infrastructureC-UAV systemsDrone Rules 2021internal security threatsairspace management

CISF Signs MoU to Boost Counter-Drone Capabilities for Critical Assets

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